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Variant #5
Brutal
Brutal is one of many elite soldiers subjected to DNA manipulation against their will. His DNA was mixed with that of wild predators, making him Variant. He’s now head of security at Alliance, the Variant community they all live in. He’s dominant, and prides himself on control. He shakes his head, laughing at the antics of others like him when they meet their one female. Now he’s met Ginny, it’s not so funny anymore. She continually holds him at arm’s length. Ignoring her insistence that he stays away, he invites himself to a party she’s attending, and things go well — really well. Only now, after having actually claimed her, she refuses to answer his calls and messages. Either she’s gone missing, or she’s just done with him. Unfortunately, he believes the latter. All of his control means nothing when he discovers she’s been taken.
Ginny has worked all her life to keep her heart buried deep inside, untouchable by any and all. It’s not that she doesn’t want love, in fact she craves it. But she’s afraid. Her mother walked out on her and her father, leaving him a shell of the man he once was. After seeing her father fade away, she’s determined it won’t happen to her. To fill her days, she spends more hours than she should caring for others as a nurse in a very large hospital. Which is how she got involved with the Variant, and ultimately Brutal. She was ‘all in’ where Brutal was concerned until he made it clear he wanted a forever relationship. But she doesn’t do forever relationships. She does a couple nights and ‘it’s been nice to know you’ relationships. But suddenly, her world is turned upside down, and unfortunately the only person who can save her is the one she’s all but blocked from her life. Will he even notice she’s missing?
The doctor who created the Variant people now has Ginny in his grip. He intends to use her to further his advantage in his attempts to manipulate the Variant — if she survives. Dr. Waller has no regard for anyone’s life. Time is crucial, she’s been labeled a reward to the squads he maintains control over. Will Brutal be able to find her? And if he does, will she still be alive, much less his?
This book is intended for mature audiences. This book contains violence and abuse both real and implied, and sexual situations that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book. While some aspects of this series and the beginnings of the world it is set in are dark, this series is ultimately a tale of survival, revenge, healing, and love.
Ginny has worked all her life to keep her heart buried deep inside, untouchable by any and all. It’s not that she doesn’t want love, in fact she craves it. But she’s afraid. Her mother walked out on her and her father, leaving him a shell of the man he once was. After seeing her father fade away, she’s determined it won’t happen to her. To fill her days, she spends more hours than she should caring for others as a nurse in a very large hospital. Which is how she got involved with the Variant, and ultimately Brutal. She was ‘all in’ where Brutal was concerned until he made it clear he wanted a forever relationship. But she doesn’t do forever relationships. She does a couple nights and ‘it’s been nice to know you’ relationships. But suddenly, her world is turned upside down, and unfortunately the only person who can save her is the one she’s all but blocked from her life. Will he even notice she’s missing?
The doctor who created the Variant people now has Ginny in his grip. He intends to use her to further his advantage in his attempts to manipulate the Variant — if she survives. Dr. Waller has no regard for anyone’s life. Time is crucial, she’s been labeled a reward to the squads he maintains control over. Will Brutal be able to find her? And if he does, will she still be alive, much less his?
This book is intended for mature audiences. This book contains violence and abuse both real and implied, and sexual situations that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book. While some aspects of this series and the beginnings of the world it is set in are dark, this series is ultimately a tale of survival, revenge, healing, and love.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2022
88 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Sandra R. Neeley
68 books887 followersI write Paranormal, SciFi and Fantasy Romance. Why, you may ask? Romance, because who doesn’t love a good romance, and the lack of reality in the story lines - because, well, normal is highly overrated. I’m 55, I have two kids, one 32 and one 12 (yes, God does have a sense of humor), one grandchild, one husband, and a menagerie of animals. Literally, too damn many things that eat wandering around our property. I love to cook, and I am a voracious reader, though since I started writing I don’t get as much time to read as I once did. I am a homebody and prefer my writing/reading time to a crowd. I have had stories and fictional characters wandering around in my head for as long as I can remember. I started letting them out into the real world and surprisingly, people have loved them. I am a Self-Published Author, and I like it that way because I can decide what and when to write. I am by no means a formal, polished, properly structured individual and neither are my stories. But people seem to love the easy emotion and passion that naturally flow from them. A bit of a warning though, there are some “triggers” in them that certain people should avoid. I’m a firm believer that you cannot have light without the dark. You cannot fully embrace the joy and elation that my people eventually find if you do not bear witness to their darkest hours as well. So please be sure to read the warnings supplied with each of the synopses about my books before you buy them. I've got three series published at this time, Avaleigh's Boys - PNR, Whispers From the Bayou - Fantasy PNR, Haven - a SciFi, and three more in process. I’m a bit sarcastic, scathing actually, and a smartass to boot, so if I offend you, it is most likely not intentional. But be prepared because it probably won’t be the last time. I’m always glad to hear from readers; those who have followed me from the beginning, and those who have just found my people. So feel free to look me up and say hello, or just follow along; either way, I’m glad to have you.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 11, 2024
Awesome character development and world building!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌎
Character development: 😔😅😂🤣🥰
The Hero: Brutal - he is a Variant, meaning he is no longer human after he went through some military experiments in genetic engineering and his DNA was mixed with a bunch of predatory animals. He is now the head of security for the Alliance where all the Variants live on a large ranch in Texas where they have built a community.
The heroine: Ginny - she is a nurse in the cardiac care unit at a hospital in town near the Alliance Ranch. She spent some time there while she helped Celia who had lung cancer and heart problems. She met Brutal at that time, he immediately told her that she was his mate and insisted that she stay there, though she has her own life, so she denied him. Ever since, they have been talking on the phone, where he is often overbearing, and she enjoys pushing back at him and fighting him at every turn.
The Story: when Ginny won’t agree to go out on a date with Brutal but tells him instead that she is busy and is going to a formal event at a ritzy hotel without any escort, he decides to get an expensive Italian tuxedo and show up to be her escort. Ginny wanted him to show up even though she knew what he offered was not for her. Her mother walking away from her family when Ginny was a small child had affected her greatly, especially seeing how her father wasted away after that. She knew she could never have something like that happen to her. She just wanted one night with him.
The story between Brutal and Ginny was good but, in this book, I was a bit more interested in some of the side and ongoing storylines which merged with the main storyline. We got to find out more about what Dr. Waller was up to and we finally found out where the rest of Sin’s and Honor’s teams were. We also got to find out more about Feral and why he has been acting so mysteriously in the last book.
We also got to see more of Hermit and Nancy as well as Law and Laurel, Ice and Phee, so other of the Variants are finding their mates, which is nice. All the characters in this series are so well developed and so interesting. I hope the author writes more books in this series. There are so many more good characters that still need mates.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙🖤💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍🌎
Character development: 😔😅😂🤣🥰
The Hero: Brutal - he is a Variant, meaning he is no longer human after he went through some military experiments in genetic engineering and his DNA was mixed with a bunch of predatory animals. He is now the head of security for the Alliance where all the Variants live on a large ranch in Texas where they have built a community.
The heroine: Ginny - she is a nurse in the cardiac care unit at a hospital in town near the Alliance Ranch. She spent some time there while she helped Celia who had lung cancer and heart problems. She met Brutal at that time, he immediately told her that she was his mate and insisted that she stay there, though she has her own life, so she denied him. Ever since, they have been talking on the phone, where he is often overbearing, and she enjoys pushing back at him and fighting him at every turn.
The Story: when Ginny won’t agree to go out on a date with Brutal but tells him instead that she is busy and is going to a formal event at a ritzy hotel without any escort, he decides to get an expensive Italian tuxedo and show up to be her escort. Ginny wanted him to show up even though she knew what he offered was not for her. Her mother walking away from her family when Ginny was a small child had affected her greatly, especially seeing how her father wasted away after that. She knew she could never have something like that happen to her. She just wanted one night with him.
The story between Brutal and Ginny was good but, in this book, I was a bit more interested in some of the side and ongoing storylines which merged with the main storyline. We got to find out more about what Dr. Waller was up to and we finally found out where the rest of Sin’s and Honor’s teams were. We also got to find out more about Feral and why he has been acting so mysteriously in the last book.
We also got to see more of Hermit and Nancy as well as Law and Laurel, Ice and Phee, so other of the Variants are finding their mates, which is nice. All the characters in this series are so well developed and so interesting. I hope the author writes more books in this series. There are so many more good characters that still need mates.
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July 8, 2022
Just... WOW! This book had some serious surprises! Brutal and Ginny's relationship is a long time coming. The whole thing starts with Brutal in a tux. You may have caught me drooling over that! I was hooked on this story right from the beginning. Brutal is so intense with Ginny. He truly knows what he wants. Ginny gets a bit frustrating by holding back, but she will come around eventually. So much action in this book and some big surprises. We get to touch base with our Variant family of characters and I just LOVE that. Brutal is not a stand-alone. You really must start at the beginning to get the most out of this story. It's fabulous! Loved it! 4.5 stars
July 19, 2023
a book to get lost in
Some may find some of the darker aspects to dark, some may think it is fiction but that there are monstrous people in the real world so why read of them? Its the characters of flaws of pain of courage to try to strive for better, to find strength to fight to survive. These stories show our differences aren't that differences our common qualities issues experiences while similar are still unique to us, these characters show compassion and attempts to be accepting of each other. It could have been to dark destructive reading or to preaching but instead there is a balance that makes the stories work. This series is an ensemble cast of characters with show case of certain ones in each and yes with way more detail in the characters not spotlighted, this was Brutal and Ginny's story but deeper issues gave other characters a time to share explore. It shows signs of where others stories may go but still gives an opening to further stories yet gives closure ive read all 5 books in series yes there is still room for more stories highlighting other characters so something to look forward to.
Some may find some of the darker aspects to dark, some may think it is fiction but that there are monstrous people in the real world so why read of them? Its the characters of flaws of pain of courage to try to strive for better, to find strength to fight to survive. These stories show our differences aren't that differences our common qualities issues experiences while similar are still unique to us, these characters show compassion and attempts to be accepting of each other. It could have been to dark destructive reading or to preaching but instead there is a balance that makes the stories work. This series is an ensemble cast of characters with show case of certain ones in each and yes with way more detail in the characters not spotlighted, this was Brutal and Ginny's story but deeper issues gave other characters a time to share explore. It shows signs of where others stories may go but still gives an opening to further stories yet gives closure ive read all 5 books in series yes there is still room for more stories highlighting other characters so something to look forward to.
January 2, 2024
Brutally addictive
This series continues to be a favourite of mine from this author.
I love the dark element throughout the stories, it's gripping and addictive reading.
The different struggles and strengths of the variant characters make their stories all unique.
They've all suffered the same experimental atrocities that bond them together but they're trying to make their own ways in the world with the help of the Alliance.
I loved Brutal and Ginny they haven't had an easy time but they're perfect together. Brutal is a very dominant male, but he's kind and patient with Ginny, he knows she belongs with him, but he has to wait until she's ready to accept it.
I'm still fully invested in this world and the wonderful characters, I need more and who is the traitor? I've a sneaky suspicion I know but we shall see.
I hope we haven't seen the last of Brutal's brother and he finds his own mate.
This series continues to be a favourite of mine from this author.
I love the dark element throughout the stories, it's gripping and addictive reading.
The different struggles and strengths of the variant characters make their stories all unique.
They've all suffered the same experimental atrocities that bond them together but they're trying to make their own ways in the world with the help of the Alliance.
I loved Brutal and Ginny they haven't had an easy time but they're perfect together. Brutal is a very dominant male, but he's kind and patient with Ginny, he knows she belongs with him, but he has to wait until she's ready to accept it.
I'm still fully invested in this world and the wonderful characters, I need more and who is the traitor? I've a sneaky suspicion I know but we shall see.
I hope we haven't seen the last of Brutal's brother and he finds his own mate.
July 12, 2022
The lives of Variant is my favorite place to escape to. When I enter the story on page 1; it feels like I am transported to another place, and what a wonderful place to be. The characters that live in these stories seem like someone you actually know. You feel each and every feeling of the characters; from happy to angry. Brutal is just another example of what a great series Sandra R. Neeley has created.
The men of this series are not only an example of what a crazy person can do to others, but are strong, funny, sensitive, and all the sexy you can handle. The women are just as strong, funny, sensitive, and sexy as you would want to be. Each one's story adds a different angle to the complete storyline.
I would encourage everyone to read this series. Once you pick it up and start you will not be able to put it down.
The men of this series are not only an example of what a crazy person can do to others, but are strong, funny, sensitive, and all the sexy you can handle. The women are just as strong, funny, sensitive, and sexy as you would want to be. Each one's story adds a different angle to the complete storyline.
I would encourage everyone to read this series. Once you pick it up and start you will not be able to put it down.
November 2, 2023
Waller is gone
I’ve read these books simply waiting for Dr Waller to get what he deserves. I’m not sure if he is crazy or just evil. Perhaps a mixture of both. The Variant finally find him and I believe the last group of Variants Dr Waller has in his grips. Now what? I’m really interested in these stories. I’ve got ideas on who the mole is.
You need to read this series in order to really understand the story. I’ve been really enjoying every book and looking forward to the next.
I’ve read these books simply waiting for Dr Waller to get what he deserves. I’m not sure if he is crazy or just evil. Perhaps a mixture of both. The Variant finally find him and I believe the last group of Variants Dr Waller has in his grips. Now what? I’m really interested in these stories. I’ve got ideas on who the mole is.
You need to read this series in order to really understand the story. I’ve been really enjoying every book and looking forward to the next.
July 8, 2022
I really enjoy the variant world. Brutal and Ginny's story had it's ups and downs. They have one great night together but for some reason Ginny pulled away from brutal. Brutal trys to call but no answer over and over. Call her job and find out she hasn't been there and they are worried. He's going to find her, she wants him to find her I won't spoil anymore but it is a page Turner. Now I want to know more about ice hmmm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
Closure
Although this story is about Brutal and Ginny, it really brings closure to several of the other characters introduced in previous books of this series. As usual, Sandra Neeley draws you into her story and keeps you captive till the very end. If you read the first 4 books, then you'll agree with the rating of 5 🌟s. If you haven't read all 5 books of this series, be smart and start immediately!
Although this story is about Brutal and Ginny, it really brings closure to several of the other characters introduced in previous books of this series. As usual, Sandra Neeley draws you into her story and keeps you captive till the very end. If you read the first 4 books, then you'll agree with the rating of 5 🌟s. If you haven't read all 5 books of this series, be smart and start immediately!
July 17, 2022
whiny H
DNF- hero shows zero accountability for his role in relationship issues w heroine. There were other issues with this book, but that was the one that I just couldn’t get past- the immaturity. Also, boringly length descriptions of things I don’t care about.
Also, weirdly hateful depictions of other women- they are all soooooo attracted to hero they act foolish, and then are treated with scorn…. What the heck?
DNF- hero shows zero accountability for his role in relationship issues w heroine. There were other issues with this book, but that was the one that I just couldn’t get past- the immaturity. Also, boringly length descriptions of things I don’t care about.
Also, weirdly hateful depictions of other women- they are all soooooo attracted to hero they act foolish, and then are treated with scorn…. What the heck?
September 10, 2022
Please Continue the Variant Series!!
I like this author and I like everyone I have a handful of favourites. Sandra Neeley is one of my favorite authors because her characters have depth and the story line has me staying up to late just to finish her books. Please try this author she doesn't disappoint. Even if you don't like her stories one can not deny she is talented. Neeley's books are entertaining and well written. Love this series!
I like this author and I like everyone I have a handful of favourites. Sandra Neeley is one of my favorite authors because her characters have depth and the story line has me staying up to late just to finish her books. Please try this author she doesn't disappoint. Even if you don't like her stories one can not deny she is talented. Neeley's books are entertaining and well written. Love this series!
June 8, 2024
The best one for me in the series. Action, heroine did not say yes to the H at the first start, plot, new characters.😡what I really did not like in general and especially in this book is that the rapes are so casually described. They where not drugged so....some situations are very confusing when Ginny was in captivity with the new Variants. Why does she need protection when they agreed that they will not harm the girls?! So the mails are rapists?!
July 28, 2022
Brutal is an exceptional book. It has all the feels and a hero that any woman would love. It is the newest installment in the Variant series by Sandra R Neeley. I love all the Variant people, but Brutal is one of the very best. This book has love, suspense, adventure, hope, courage, and a heroine who learns the hard way to give love a chance.
July 29, 2022
Love these characters and the trials they go through. Thank you Sandra, for another tale. I
Love these characters and the trials they go through. Thank you Sandra, for another brilliant tale. Plus, I'm really glad the evil doctor died. But who's the spy on the camp? Anxiously awaiting further instalments.:-)
Love these characters and the trials they go through. Thank you Sandra, for another brilliant tale. Plus, I'm really glad the evil doctor died. But who's the spy on the camp? Anxiously awaiting further instalments.:-)
August 1, 2022
This book was a huge surprise to me
The first few chapters I had trouble getting into the characters. I just couldn't connect, but when I got into Two, Three, Four and Five things changed. It's the little guys that always get me and these guys did.
This is a very complicated story but I really loved it. I loved Brutal.
The first few chapters I had trouble getting into the characters. I just couldn't connect, but when I got into Two, Three, Four and Five things changed. It's the little guys that always get me and these guys did.
This is a very complicated story but I really loved it. I loved Brutal.
July 14, 2022
Fantastic
Such an amazing series. Loved this one. Brutal and Ginny are at odds in their mating with no trust. Ginny is kidnapped and finally rescued. The Variant find another two squads when they rescue her.
Such an amazing series. Loved this one. Brutal and Ginny are at odds in their mating with no trust. Ginny is kidnapped and finally rescued. The Variant find another two squads when they rescue her.
July 18, 2022
Variant the series
I love everything about this Variant series. It's dark ,gritty and painful. These books keep me on the edge of my seat. I can't put it down until I'm finished. I can't wait for the next one. Please, please hurry and put out book six. Thank you Sandra R. Nee!ey.
I love everything about this Variant series. It's dark ,gritty and painful. These books keep me on the edge of my seat. I can't put it down until I'm finished. I can't wait for the next one. Please, please hurry and put out book six. Thank you Sandra R. Nee!ey.
February 5, 2023
excellent!
Love the series and I hope it continues. I need to know who is the leak. I have my suspicions but I’m dying to know. And Law, Hermit and what about Honor. What’s the deal with him
Love the series and I hope it continues. I need to know who is the leak. I have my suspicions but I’m dying to know. And Law, Hermit and what about Honor. What’s the deal with him
May 24, 2023
eagerly waiting for the next books in the Variant series
I am eagerly waiting for the next books in the Variant series, more please. Feel attached to each of the “good guy/gal” characters. Thank you.
I am eagerly waiting for the next books in the Variant series, more please. Feel attached to each of the “good guy/gal” characters. Thank you.
October 18, 2023
I felt for Brutal. He laughed when the others found their mates, and ignored their 'you will get yours' attitude. But then he meets Ginny, who has a mind of her own, and refuses to bow down to his 'you are mine' belief. She really made him work hard for his arrogance.
June 24, 2024
supersonique ❤️💯🎸
Those negative reviews have got to go elsewhere other than here!!! Loved and appreciate every morsel of this book, I laughed so much at their antics, their behavior and love towards each other. This plot and storyline is banging ..🤩💯🎸💥
Those negative reviews have got to go elsewhere other than here!!! Loved and appreciate every morsel of this book, I laughed so much at their antics, their behavior and love towards each other. This plot and storyline is banging ..🤩💯🎸💥
August 7, 2022
Big Fab
I love Sandra R Neely. but the Variant Series are my FAV ! So good , I can't wait for more!
I love Sandra R Neely. but the Variant Series are my FAV ! So good , I can't wait for more!
August 9, 2022
WOW
Outstanding. Story so great. People are like friends waiting to see what happens next. Can't wait for next book. Thank you for writing.
Outstanding. Story so great. People are like friends waiting to see what happens next. Can't wait for next book. Thank you for writing.
August 23, 2025
I need more ICE
Ice is a bad mother f*****. Twins should find a way to work it out. Brutal is a very understanding male. It's so worth the read.
Ice is a bad mother f*****. Twins should find a way to work it out. Brutal is a very understanding male. It's so worth the read.
July 7, 2022
All the feels!
This story makes me shudder with horror at some things, shiver with excitement when plans succeed, and sigh with happiness at new-found love!
This is an incredible story, packed with information about the ongoing lives of the Variant that fascinate me so. I love Brutal and Ginny together. Brutal is persistent. He never quits, never gives up in his quest to claim Ginny. Too bad Ginny’s issues keep her from reciprocating until trouble raises its ugly head. I am so very thrilled with the outcome of this story - it can’t be beat! I still have a question or two, though…makes me eager for another book in the series!
This story makes me shudder with horror at some things, shiver with excitement when plans succeed, and sigh with happiness at new-found love!
This is an incredible story, packed with information about the ongoing lives of the Variant that fascinate me so. I love Brutal and Ginny together. Brutal is persistent. He never quits, never gives up in his quest to claim Ginny. Too bad Ginny’s issues keep her from reciprocating until trouble raises its ugly head. I am so very thrilled with the outcome of this story - it can’t be beat! I still have a question or two, though…makes me eager for another book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews